With 100 days to go until new tobacco laws come into effect, the London Borough of Bexley is highlighting the support available to local people who want to quit smoking.
From 1 January 2027, it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. The age of sale will then increase by one year each year.
The new law represents a significant change to the way tobacco is sold in the UK. Alongside the changes, Bexley is encouraging anyone who smokes and would like to quit to make use of the free support available locally.
The Bexley Stop Smoking Service provides free, practical support to people who want to quit, including access to evidence-based stop-smoking medication. Eligible adults can also access a free vape starter kit to support a quit attempt.
People in Bexley can find out more about the local support available and how to quit smoking through the Council's stop-smoking service.
For details, visit our Stop Smoking
Current polling also indicates continued public support for action to reduce smoking. Recent polling by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), conducted by YouGov, found that 66% of adults in London support a goal of making Britain a country where no one smokes. The survey was conducted online between February and March 2026.
In Bexley, around one in 12 adults smoke, and the Council continues to work with local health services and partners to support residents who want to quit.
Councillor Janice Ward-Wilson, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said:
With new tobacco laws coming into effect from January, this is a good opportunity to remind residents that support is available for anyone who wants to stop smoking.
Quitting can be difficult, but people do not have to do it alone. Our Stop Smoking Service offers free, practical support and access to treatments that can help people make a quit attempt and stay smoke-free.
We want to make sure residents know where they can get help and support, whether they are thinking about quitting now or simply want to find out more."
Nicole Klynman, Director of Public Health for Bexley, said:
Smoking remains an important public health issue, and helping people who smoke to quit is an important part of reducing smoking-related illness.
As the new tobacco laws approach, we want to make sure residents are aware of the support available locally. The Bexley Stop Smoking Service can provide personalised advice and access to evidence-based treatments to help people quit.
Whether someone has tried to quit before or is thinking about stopping for the first time, it is never too late to seek support."